"We knew the location of the crash – so why did we not go and secure the site in order to protect the evidence and to secure the bodies so that they do not fester in unrefrigerated train carriages? "

Whilst recess periods are an important time in which MPs can focus on local events and issues, I was disappointed that the House prorogued.

Given the dreadful events surrounding flight MH17 and the ramifications this may have for our country,

I believe that it was remiss not to give MPs the opportunity to fully reflect on the incident and the subsequent reactions of Western democracies.

The death of 298 innocent people, including 80 children, who were shot down over the European continent by a surface-to-air missile, should provoke an immediate, constructive and firm response.

An international crime has taken place and we failed to act accordingly.

We knew the location of the crash – so why did we not go and secure the site in order to protect the evidence and to secure the bodies so that they do not fester in unrefrigerated train carriages?

We seem to have lost a sense of what this country stands for; we do not seem to take our responsibilities in the same way as perhaps we once did.

Britain’s debt is substantial: our national debt will peak at a forecast £1,548 billion in the next parliament.

That’s about £60,000 per household. We remain dependent on people lending us money to service this debt, whilst also become increasingly dependent on imported energy, food and other necessities.

It is easily conceivable that our level of dependency is perhaps one of the reasons why we turn a blind eye when something uncomfortable is thrown up.

The evidence that has emerged points to this tragedy having been caused by individuals who by proxy are backed by a state with which we retain diplomatic and commercial relations.

To my mind, the 20th century was about defending and trying to spread the values of democracy and liberty.

I sincerely hope that the 21st century will not signal the rise of autocratic regimes that we try to placate, that we seek investment from, and that are involved in the critical infrastructure of our nation.

Threatening a few sanctions which are limited in impact, rather than taking determined and immediate action, is just not good enough.

My frustration is that there is no reason why Britain cannot be that strong nation it once was; the country that stood up for particular values and principles. We need to rediscover valuing the right things in life.

I want to be a part of a country that stands for something, that means something in the world and that is globally respected.

I fear that at the moment, because of our level of debt and of dependence, we are being less of a country than we should be, and most certainly less of a country than the globe desperately needs.